University of Kentucky housing changes are raising questions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Transgender students at the University of Kentucky will no longer be able to request separate housing if they want to live on campus.

The university stated that it must comply with House Bill 4 and new federal guidance that prohibits differential treatment based on factors such as race or gender.

A University of Kentucky faculty member who is choosing to stay anonymous said it is important current and incoming students know their roommate situation can look different and may put them in an uncomfortable situation.

“They (students) were informed by the university that they would not be offering gender inclusive housing next year,” the faculty member said.

The employee has advised several UK students who said they were made aware of the change after going out of their way to ask about being assigned to housing based on how they identify.

“They were concerned that this hadn’t been communicated generally to the student body or to other students in gender inclusive housing,” the faculty member said.

The employee said they believe the concern is less about the gender of a future roommate and more about the mindset of that student, whether they are inclusive and affirming.

“That’s what gender inclusive housing has been able to do for students is to ensure that students who have a similar view on gender inclusivity could room together,” the faculty member said.

“We understand that housing and roommate arrangements are an important part of the student experience, and we remain committed to supporting all students,” a UK spokesperson said in a statement given to FOX 56.

The employee said they appreciate that support, yet question why the housing policy was not made public to students before they had to ask about it.